My friend's husband up and left with no warning

[Anonymous]

The days of punishing adulterers are over and a bad husband is not assumed to be a bad father

I can assure you that these days are not over in states without no fault divorce. A good friend got raked over the coals in her divorce settlement because she cheated. Her lawyer did a terrible job. And years later it turns out he was also cheating. But she didn't hire a PI and he did. A PI is not bad advice!

[Anonymous]

Or a forensic accountant. Get the lawyer who can then recommend one. He may have done more planning than she thinks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not a PI? Why a PI? Have you never heard of NO FAULT DIVORCE. What would a PI do? People who give this advice are NOT divorced, I assure you! If he's having an affair, what will that do as far as assets and custody? NOT MUCH!

You are obviously clueless about family law. What makes you think the parties would agree to a no fault? I don't remember if the OP mentioned what state her friend lives in. But in many states, adultery can dramatically affect the outcome of a divorce. Even if the parties reach an agreement before trial, the very threat of bringing adultery into the equation is enough to change the power play in divorce. I'm not suggesting that a PI is necessary. But to suggest that adultery is irrelevant is ridiculous.

OP, the best thing you can do for your friend is encourage her to talk to a family law attorney in her jurisdiction right away. As in, yesterday! This is not something to wait on. Only an attorney can offer her solid legal advise.